Archive · 25 Jul 2026
Devotee dies during Puri Rath Yatra
During the Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, a 57-year-old man named Abhiram Das died while pulling the chariot of Goddess Subhadra.
He had high blood pressure and collapsed due to suffocation.
This is the third death during this year's Rath Yatra.
The government says there was no crowd rush, but the opposition claims there was mismanagement and a stampede-like situation.
The government has announced compensation for the families of the deceased and is providing medical care to the injured.
A 57-year-old devotee, Abhiram Das, died while pulling the chariot of Goddess Subhadra during the Rath Yatra in Puri.
He had high blood pressure and collapsed due to suffocation, exacerbated by hot and humid weather conditions.
This is the third death during this year's Rath Yatra, with two other deaths occurring on July 16.
The government has announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased.
The opposition has alleged mismanagement and demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident.
- Who
- Abhiram Das (57) from Cuttack
- What
- Death due to suffocation while pulling the chariot during the Rath Yatra
- When
- July 24, 2024
- Where
- Puri, Odisha
- Why
- Due to suffocation and hypertension, exacerbated by hot and humid weather conditions
Government's Management
Opposition's Criticism
Management of Crowd
Government's Management
The government claims there was no crowd rush and denies any stampede occurred.
Opposition's Criticism
The opposition alleges mismanagement and claims a stampede-like situation occurred, leading to injuries and deaths.
Compensation and Medical Care
Government's Management
The government has announced compensation and is providing medical care to the injured.
Opposition's Criticism
The opposition demands immediate and appropriate compensation and better medical care for the injured.
- Deceased
- Abhiram Das (57) from Cuttack
- Cause of Death
- Suffocation and hypertension
- Date
- July 24, 2024
- Location
- Puri, Odisha
- Total Deaths
- 3
- Injured
- 102
- Compensation
- Rs 10 lakh each for the next of kin
- Weather Conditions
- Hot and humid with 85-90% relative humidity
Sources
Odisha: Fresh devotee death reported during Bahuda Yatra in Puri
Devotee dies of ‘suffocation’ in Puri amid massive rush for Lord Jagannath return procession
Devotee dies due to suffocation while pulling chariot, Puri Rath Yatra toll mounts to 3
